Life Without Facebook

Tomorrow will be two months since I've deleted my Facebook account.  Several people have asked me in person how "I'm doing" without Facebook - almost as if I'd suffered a horrible loss.  That makes me laugh a bit - inside, of course.  I was obviously very consumed by it and I think most people assumed I'd go through a horrible withdrawal (did you know this word was spelled with an extra "a" at the end??? Not until just now did I know.  Thanks spell check!).

But it's actually been quite the opposite.  I haven't missed it once.

And I have been able to focus on this sweet face more

And this one

And I've realized how my girls are becoming two very different people.  And how it's possible to still love them both with the very same love.

Now when I'm outside with my girls, I'm not constantly on my phone.  I'm more engaged with their play.  I'm physically AND emotionally there with them.

I'm learning my Ri has quite the imagination.  And my Cakester is very determined.

So I guess it's clear by now.  I believe I made the right decision.  I haven't regretted it, not one time.

Although, in the age of technology in which we live, I feel there will always be something pulling me away from what I should be focused on.  Anything on my phone could become just like Facebook - Instagram, texting, Craigslist, email, etc.  What I really have to keep in check is my attitude.  When I lose my joy - the joy in the little areas of motherhood like cleaning crumbs off the high chair or helping Ri go to the potty for the sixth time in one day - that's when I can find myself "running away" to my phone to escape; even if just for five minutes.

I wanna be joyful in even the mundane.  I want my kids to know that they're not just loved, but cherished.  So I hope and pray that God will renew this joy in my heart each and every day.

Ways to Save Money

Just the other day, I was trying to figure out other ways our family could save money.  I've been tracking our spending using an app the past two months (AceBudget2) and it's been very intersting where our money is actually going. 

So I wanted to write out a list of the things we do to save money:

1.  Use cloth diapers

• I know what you're thinking.  Probably something along the lines of "eww", "gross", "I don't wanna 'deal' with poop", etc.  Do you know anyone who cloth diapers?  Because before I started, I knew several - and not one person didn't like doing it. Plus, honestly, poop doesn't scare me.  But if it's scary to you, there are liners and sprayers to help you out with that.
• It really does save money - here's a breakdown (even if your child is out of diapers before estimated, the cost is a big difference!).  Plus, when subsequent children use the same diapers, savings increases!  AND, you can resell them when you're finished.  Cloth diapers hold their value pretty well if you take care of them!

2.  Use cloth wipes for diaper changes (baby wash cloths work great)

• I use these for my babies when they're exclusively breastfed for every diaper change and then once solids are started, I use them only for wet diapers

3.  Use cloth wipes for toilet paper - WAIT let me explain!

• We only use them for, well, #1.  I'm not that dedicated, I suppose.  But this cuts down on A LOT of toilet paper since there are TWO, soon to be THREE, girls using the potty. Plus, it's only a few drops anyway.

4.  Use prefold diapers (or more commonly referred to as a burp cloth by Gerber) for tissues

• If you wash and dry your "burp cloths", they come out so fluffy and soft.  It feels great on your nose and there's no chance of it tearing and you getting snot all over your hand.

5.  Use wash cloths for paper towels

• As much as I have to wipe hands and mouths and tables after eating with my girls, this saves tons!

6.  Hang clothes to dry in the sun (as much as the weather will allow and my schedule)

• Did you know that the dryer is typically the second biggest energy consumer in a household (second to your refrigerator)? 

7.  Buy clearance meat

• I'm sure you've noticed grocery prices have sort of increased.  I usually go to two different stores to browse marked-down meat that has a sell by date of a day or so.  If I won't use it right away, it goes into our chest freezer

8.  Use baking soda and vinegar to clean

• It's pretty effective. And very cheap.  Oh yeah, and a lot safer than chemicals ;)  I dare you to try.

9.  Went down to basic TV package

• We got rid of our satellite service (but replaced the cost of that with Internet - although we're now paying about $15 less a month for both Internet and basic cable than we were for a bunch of satellite channels and no Internet). 
• We'd been without Internet at our house for almost 7 years until this past year.  Turns out, basic cable and Internet combined was the same price as just the Internet.  So we basically only get local channels.  But we also have a Roku player.  There's also PlayOn.  And there's plenty online to watch. 

10.  Eating at home

• I've recently joined an online meal planning website and it's really helped me with my stress level, not wasting food, as well as not going out to eat last minute because nothing is planned for dinner.

So there ya have it.  There's probably a few I'm forgetting.  What are some of your money-saving ways???

All-Time Favorite AFV Video

I used to watch America's Funniest Home Videos a lot.  This one is one I've always remembered - cracks me up every time!!!  

Hope it made you smile!!!  :) :) :)

Today...

This is how my day started:

And ended with an evening outside and hearing a fun story told by my very dramatic almost-three-year-old.  

Little Susan

Meet little Susan Steenback - who would later become Susan Sene.  She is in first (maybe second) grade. 

She loves to teach her dolls and animals.  And, apparently, one decided to skip class this particular day.

I'm pretty sure she's teaching from the most important book you can teach from, the Bible. 

Susan has a very bad memory and doesn't remember much of these young years.  She's living in Hendersonville, NC at this point.  But that bathing suit on the floor?  Oh, she remembers that very well.  It was her favorite....Rainbow Brite

There's a silver Snoopy bank on the dresser beside the lamp.  Maybe you can't see it.  But grown up Susan has that same bank, still, on her dresser.

Susan's dressers and most flat surfaces are, to this day, a struggle to keep decluttered.  Yet, now - and even then - things are rarely lost or misplaced.  Organized chaos?

And yes, that's a Cabbage Patch doll on the dresser.  Maybe that's hard to see too.  She went everywhere with little Susan.

There's a lot ahead of Susan at this point in her life.  But right now, things are pretty simple.  So carry on, little Susan, carry on.

Lovie

We got a lovie for KayK while at the beach when I was 8 months pregnant. After she was born, we put it in her bed every night and now she LOVES it.

She loves it so much, we bought a back-up. We had a hard time taking it away long enough to wash.

I didn't realize HOW dirty it was until the new one arrived.

This is after the wash - original one still on the left but lookin MUCH better!  :)

Fun for Free

We wanted to take the girls out this morning.  Septtro has started football but hasn't started school yet so sometimes he's still at home for a while.

Frankies Fun Park is where we ended up.  And because both girls are still so young, we didn't have to spend a dime.  And they had a BLAST!  

Septtro found a basketball game that was abandoned so he finished that up.  He's so nice! Ri went from game to game with a huge smile on her face and KayK tried to keep up with her sister, pointing at every stuffed animal she could.

We found 4 tickets someone forgot at a game and Ri cashed them in for 2 smiley face erasers.

And we hit the jackpot on two candy bars for a "claw" type game that gave you two tries.  Except, once again, people apparently don't know how to read and didn't realize you got TWO tries!  We were happy to help out.

I'm sure we'll return soon.  Maybe this time we'll actually pay for a game or two.  :)

Moody Sisters Review and Coupon Code for Facebook Fans!

I've recently discovered a new shop on Etsy I REALLY like - Moody Sisters!

Who doesn't want to use products that are chemical-free if possible??  From their shop page:

Free of chemicals and preservatives, these are not only 100% organic and environmentally “green”, but vegan products as well! Products are made fresh and shipped weekly.

 I was able to get a sample of their Vanilla Orange Delight Body Oil.  

First, it smells AMAZING!  I've never been one to like perfumes or most scents of any kind.  But this is a great, fresh scent!


Secondly, it lasts a while! A little definitely goes a long way!


Lastly, there are several different uses.  It's great after showering, as an after shave, for a fresh way to tame those fly-aways in your hair, or just as an alternative to lotion! 

Like coupons? Me too!!  :) Anyone who becomes a Facebook fan can use the code IMAFAN10 for10% off your entire purchase.  

Also, be sure to sign up for their monthly coupon email!


And..


 **job opportunity alert**


The Moody Sisters are currently looking for sales reps across the U.S.  If you're interested and would like more details, please contact them at moodysisters@gmail.com!  


They have a lot of other great products such as bug spray, baby balm for diaper rash, dry shampoo, lip balm and more!


Check them out on:
Twitter www.twitter.com/moodysisters
Facebook www.facebook.com/moodysisters
Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/moodysisters


Give them a try - I don't think you'll be disappointed!  

Kaylee Turns One!!

I little over a year ago, Kaylee Aveolela joined our family.  

And just in case you didn't know - or remember - she was my vbac baby!  While the day didn't go quite as planned, the experience was extremely healing for me.  

We had a fairly low-key day planned.  Her actual birthday landed on a Saturday (thanks to Leap Year) so that worked out nicely.  

She's walking everywhere now, bringing me books, playing with her sister, and feeding herself (she loves table food and is only nursing about 1-3 times a day...but usually just once, maybe twice.  And I'm still trying not to take it personally).  

She absolutely loves that tiny pink bunny (aka "lovie") she's clutching in that last picture - so much so that we need to get another so we have time to get it washed between naps and bed time!

Happy Birthday Kaylee!  You are SO loved!!

Check out some more pictures from her one year photo shoot here.  

My Second Toddler

I'm not sure how this happened, but now I have two toddlers!  It's like as soon as KayK turned one, she decided she wanted to walk almost everywhere!

And may I add, Septtro's family sure does have good taste in clothes don't they?  The above outfit was from her Uncle Nick and the one she's wearing when walking is from her Papa Sene - pretty impressive!!  :)

Tomorrow...

This bundle of smiles, chubby thighs, and crazy hair turns ONE!!!!  

 More pics and, most likely, a sappy post to follow.  


**BIG thanks to Kelli and Abbi for helping capture these moments!!**

Weekend Update

**Am I this old already?  It took me SO long to create these photo collages.  Surely there is a faster way.** (used Picasa but all pics were from my iPhone)


Septtro created quite a play area for the girls this weekend.  We already had some sand delivered to the new sand box he built. But then he added a "wash off" platform as well as a place to hold the hose and spray mist to keep cool.  Plus, now our swing set is over there.  


KayK came down with a fever Thursday evening.  My mom and I thought she felt warm Wednesday when we were at the lake.  But she was acting fine - no other symptoms.  But by Thursday evening, she was miserable and couldn't sleep.  So Septtro went out at 2am to get some Tylenol.  After that, she slept fine.  The fever lasted a couple days and I kept her home from church just to be safe.  


Friday night, Septtro and Ri had an at-home date night.  Ri is obsessed with Toy Story.  She constantly asks to watch them (we used to have them saved on our DVR but got rid of our satellite service).  He rented one from iTunes and they watched together - including popcorn.  She was pretty excited.  We also discovered Suka had a flea infestation so she got a bath and new meds.

Saturday, we stayed home all day.  We just hung out as a family.  It was quite nice.  Septtro even put up my new pulley clothesline!  I couldn't wait to hang something on the line - of course, it had to be my cloth diapers!  There's just something warm and fuzzy feeling inside when you are able to let your clothes dry in the sunshine isn't there??

Sunday, Septtro went to church and I stayed home with the girls.  When he got home, I ran some errands.  And there was plenty of cuddle time.

Remembering

I saw this plaque in a room at a local hospital Thursday (I was getting more information on a new nurse midwifery program - more on that later.  And no I'm not pregnant).

The words just made me think about my Peanut.  For one, the hospital where I went to meet with the midwife was the same one where I got blood drawn to check hormone levels and then ultimately, to be surgically separated from my baby that I never got to meet or say goodbye to.

I do still think about that baby.  I think sometimes I just push away any memories when they start to come back.  It's easier that way - to not remember.  But no matter how many kids I have, my Peanut will always be my first baby.

So if you've ever lost a baby - no matter when - this is for them, and you.

Bye Facebook!

I'm, how do I put this, a bit of a Facebook addict (wow, ok that was kind of hard to admit).  Allow me to elaborate...


If I see a notification on my app on my phone, I HAVE to check it.  Somebody responded to something I posted or commented so it's pretty important you know.


As if that's not enough, even if I take the notifications off my phone and remove the app, I STILL have to check every minute (ok, maybe not that much) to see if perhaps I do have any notifications.  


And then, I have to make sure that I catch up on my News Feed.  Cause, you know, I might miss something.  And I can't miss out on something (a cute picture, a giveaway, a good article).  


I've tried to cut back the amount of time I spend on Facebook.  I've tried to set certain times.  It works for a short while.  But I always find myself back in the same spot.  I don't want my kids thinking Facebook is more important than them.  And as hard as it is to say, it's starting to become that way. And, I need to simplify my life right now.  With two small children, and hopefully in the future we will have more, I need to focus on what's really important.  And Facebook is not one of those things. I have enough to accomplish in a day without being on Facebook.


I have been thinking about all of this for a LONG time.  I never thought I could actually delete my account.  I'm on it WAY too much.  And my family members can see pictures of the girls and our family and keep up with what's going on.  And I've found some good deals because of Facebook and sold a couple of things because of Facebook.


But then I realized, all of those things are still possible without Facebook.  There used to not be Facebook....remember?  I mean what on earth did I do with my time before that?  


Honestly, I think for me, there's always gonna be a "Facebook" in my life.  There's going to be something else I wanna spend waste time on that has absolutely no eternal value.  I'm not saying every little thing I do should have eternal value.  But when it becomes an idol to me, and other responsibilities get ignored, it's a problem. ("Hold on honey, just one second let Mommy just respond to ONE more post!")  


I've been thinking about these verses recently:

If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell. - Mark 9:43-47

I'm not saying getting on Facebook is a sin.  But for me, this concept of being so radical as to cut off a part of your body because it's causing you to sin makes me think; well, if I can't seem to get control over it, it'd be best to cut it off and be done.  I'm sort of a person who is all in or all out.  Apparently, it's just too difficult for me to "dabble" on Facebook. 


There are other reasons I've decided to delete my account.  One being I feel it's a source of  stroking my pride.  "Ohhh, 25 people liked that comment, article, photo, etc - look at ME!"


Another is that I thought to myself, if I had known what I know now about Facebook (not only how addicted I am but also how they keep changing things and absolutely invade your privacy), would I still make an account when I did several years ago.  My answer?  No.


I remember hearing of people going on Facebook "vacations" and thinking, "Wow, good for you!  I wish I could do that.  I wish I could get out".  It was like I felt like I was sucked into this black hole of social media.  


Believe me, it's REALLY scary for me to delete my account.  I feel like I'm, in a sense, deleting a part of my life.  Plus, I am a very social person and I LOVE to feel like I'm connected and involved in others' lives.  (but I can still do that through texts, emails, and phone calls)  I do feel like I'll have a great sense of relief once I do delete my account.  No more pressure to comment, catch up on news, etc.


I will still blog.  And I now have Instagram to post pictures that don't make it on the blog. So...keep in touch, k??  ;)

Oh Summer Time

Ahhh summer...can you please stay a while??? A long while??? I like you.

Peach Pickin

Isn't summer great?  There are SO many things to do outside...and several fruits available for some pickin!


We drove about 45 minutes to this place yesterday.  Kaylee did great.  Rilynn, not so much.  I think she got a bit itchy...and she's sort of a drama queen anyway.  


Here was our afternoon...

Snagged that lil baby back pack at a thrift store - came in very handy for peach picking!

No shame - get that peach Ri Ri!

 Profile of my sweet Ri

This one looks good!

She kept tossing the peaches in the basket and bruising some.  So we told her to gently put them in the basket.  So, she did.  :)

KayK pointing to the peaches

She kept asking for more (her sign language for "more" is clapping at this point)

I'm really not a mean mommy.  She was filled with drama.  After this episode, I let her ride in the stroller and sip on some water and everything was fine again.  Sometimes you just have to laugh to keep from going crazy right??  :)

Best seat in the house!

It was pretty hot.  So I rolled us under the water hose that was watering the trees.  I thought it'd feel good and Ri would like it.  Guess I was wrong.

Just in case you can't see how much Ri wasn't pleased with our trip under the water hose, here's a close-up

Ri really wasn't miserable the whole time.  When we got in the car, I asked if she had fun and she said yes.  :)  


Septtro made two pies and a cobbler today and we STILL have leftover peaches!  And my kitchen smells delicious!!!

My Top 25

I read this the other day and decided I should record some for myself.

I don't think any mother can deny our job can sometimes get overwhelming.  One thing I'm learning is to change my attitude and perspective.  These little years go by so quickly.  One day, I'm gonna look back and say, "Oh I wish my kids would still...."  

So I'm going to try to be intentional about cherishing every moment I can!  Man...I hope they know how much I love them!

I'm still learning, mind you.  And I'm also human.  So I won't always get it right.  But I want to cherish as much as I can!

So here it is, my top 25 things I'll miss someday...

1.  a sleeping baby/child (really, is there anything more sweet?)

2.  covering up a sleeping baby/child with a blanket

3.  two of my kids wanting me at the same time

4.  wrinkled up noses 

5.  shoes on the wrong feet

6.  hugs...long hugs

7.  brushing tangled hair

8.  open mouth, slobbery, and teeth-filled kisses

9.  small, chubby hands

10.  small, chubby feet

11.  being followed, even into the bathroom

12.  nursing

13.  baby wearing

14.  cleaning up messes

15.  tiny socks that get lost

16.  loads and loads of laundry

17.  not sleeping all night

18.  kissing boo-boos, even pretend ones

19.  using (cute) cloth diapers 

20.  made up words

21.  wanting to be carried 

22.  bed sharing with a tiny person who takes up a ton of room

23.  noisy car rides

24.  eating a meal with several interruptions 

25.  feeling needed

I'm sure I'll think of more as soon as I post this.  But at least I've recorded some.  

What are yours???

Officially a Big Girl!

Tonight was a very exciting night in the Sene household!!  One of my friends gave us a toddler bed they no longer needed (thank you!!).  It's a Disney Cars bed and, at first, I wasn't sure about not having a "girly" bed.  But we were also given some princess sheets that Ri was extremely excited about.  And she couldn't stop talking about her new bed!  She kept laying down and saying "night night".  

Last week when we were at the beach, Ri slept on the floor on a sleeping bag and she's slept on a foam mattress on the floor at my parent's house for a nap.  So not being contained wasn't new to her...but having an actual bed was.

Helping Daddy put her bed together while Kaylee watches.

 looking at her princess sheets

proud big girl! (somehow she looks like she's 6 to me in this picture!)

 "night night!"

Kaylee moved to the crib.  She's always slept in a pack and play so this was a big night for her too!

My lil climber!  I think they'd sleep in the same bed if I let them. :)

So far tonight, I haven't heard a peep!  I don't know if they were that worn out from all the excitement or what.  I expected a lot of chattering.  Hopefully, they will both sleep soundly in their "new" beds!

Then and Now

I mean, I know everybody, including myself, says how quickly time flies by when you have kids.  But it's SO true! I mean, how was this an entire YEAR ago??

We got that lovie for Kaylee last summer when we first visited St. Simon's Island (big thanks to my friend Meredith!!!)

It's become her favorite thing.  I was hoping to get another one at the same store but they were out.  Here's our picture from this year. :)

Blackberry Pickin!

Today was our first day back from the beach.  And it was our first official day together as a family for the summer!!  There are blackberry bushes all around our house.  So we went out to take advantage!

Heading down the road with Daddy to hunt for our blackberries!

Daddy showing Ri how to look for the ripe berries

She kept picking the red ones - quickly realizing they didn't taste as good

testing out a few before saving some for later

It didn't take long before her shirt had to go.  Blackberries make not so fun stains.  I love that she's still young enough to do this.  :)

Taking a quick break

Running to show me her findings!

Showing me the berries she found.  Notice her hands are stained  :)

Kay playing in the road.  

Don't worry, I was right there.  And we live on a pretty slow street.  :)

She likes to play in the dirt

One day, very soon, I'm gonna miss this view

And this one too

Having a grand time!

Blackberry-stained face and a seed stuck in her teeth - you know she had a great time!

We didn't quite have enough blackberries for a blackberry pie.  But Septtro mixed in apple and peaches and it made quite the yummy cobbler!!